Battle of Coralife Biocube vs Oceanic Biocube!

Jacky

A coral reef is a complex ecosystem with an astonishing variety of species and animals. The oceanic biocube, as it turns out, uses about ten times less electricity than a traditional aquarium does!

The “biocube 32” is a battle between the Coralife Biocube and the Oceanic Biocube. The Coralife Biocube has been around for over 10 years, while the Oceanic Biocube is newer and offers more features.

Choosing amongst biocubes of the same size might be a difficult task. This is due to the fact that they have almost identical traits. As a result, it’s difficult to tell them apart. 

People usually choose random biocubes for this since they all seem to be the same to them. There are, however, factors that may effectively distinguish them!

When it comes to Biocube Coralife versus Biocube of the Oceans, the question arises.

The Biocube of the Oceans has a larger range of sizes in liters than the Biocube Coralife. Coralife, on the other hand, has a more flexible timing scheme than the Biocube of the Oceans. It’s also a lot less difficult to update. It does, however, have a weak heat-maintenance pump.

So, there was a quick rundown of their distinctions. For your convenience, we’ve presented a full in-depth comparison between these two biocubes.

So, what do you have to lose? Let’s get started!

Quick Distinction 

Let’s have a look at the Quick Distinction between coralife and Biocube of the Oceanss before jumping into the thorough details –

ParametersBiocube CoralifeBiocube of the Oceans
TypeCompactCompact 
Weight 62 pounds (32 Gallons)54 pound (29 Gallons)
Sizes that are available32, 16 (Gallons)8, 14, and 29 (Gallons)
LightingFull Spectrum LED, Moonlight LED, Wight LED2 fluorescent bulbs, 3 Lunar Blue LED Lights (36 watts)
Type of waterSaltwater and freshwaterSaltwater and freshwater
the size (32 and 29 Gallon)L-20.25”W-21.875”H-21.5”L-22.4”W-20.8”H-24.2”
NoiseQuietQuiet
Filtering that may be customized Yes, but it isn’t absolutely necessary.Yes, and it is recommended that you update.
Timer30-minute timer is a versatile timer. 60 minute sunrise/sunset 24 hour moonrise/moonset Yes, but not adaptable. 
the complexity of the setupEasyEasy
Hinge topTop hood with programmable hingeThere is no hinged top.
Heat is trapped by the hood.GoodAverage

These have been organized so that you may use them as a checklist if you’re deciding between the two. However, you may gain a different perspective by looking at the graph below.

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This was merely the iceberg’s tip. To be able to pick amongst them, a lot of things must be considered.

Biocube Coralife vs Biocube of the Oceans – A Detailed Comparison

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So far, we’ve seen a short comparison chart of these two biocubes. It’s past time for a more in-depth look at the features. Let’s take a closer look-

Construction and Design

Both of these biocubes have great designs. They have a similar design with hidden instruments on the rear.

Let’s take a look at this from a different perspective-  

The Biocube Coralife is pretty slick to look at. It has a black body covering, with a transparent tank. The tank looks very lively due to its curved edges. These curved edges don’t change the viewing angle either. The Biocube of the Oceans is also very much similar in design to the Biocube Coralife.

Oceanic also features curved edges, giving the occupants a more bright and active appearance. The filters and other components are well disguised and do not draw attention to themselves. 

Both tanks are small, so they’re ideal for tucking away in a corner of the home. Plus, it’s not like one of those huge aquariums that takes up half your room. 

Furthermore, all mechanical components, including the filter, are hidden in the rear. You won’t be able to view them this way. Another advantage of the design of these two tanks is this.

On one hand, the built-in LED lights of Biocube Coralife add an aesthetic view to the tank. On the other hand, oceanic has comprehensive lighting systems that are packed into the hood. There’s not only the lighting system there but also the dual cooling fan.

However, do you know, there’s also a stand made particularly for Biocube Coralife tank? This goes perfectly with the design of the tank. 

The stand for this tank may be purchased separately here.

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Prices and availability are correct as of the given date/time and are subject to change. This product will be purchased using the pricing and availability information listed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase.

Winner: In terms of design, both of them have a design structure that is quite comparable. As a result, both parties are winners.

Sizes that are available

Users have more alternatives with a tank that comes in a variety of sizes. Fortunately, the same is true for these biocubes. They come in a variety of sizes. Let’s have a look-

The Biocube Coralife comes in 2 different sizes. These are 16 and 32 gallons. You can choose among these two whichever you need. With the 32 Gallons size, you can hold double the marine life compared to 16.

ImageBiocube CoralifePrice
1650338805_451_battle-of-coralife-biocube-vs-oceanic-biocube-75517121650338806_304_battle-of-coralife-biocube-vs-oceanic-biocube-3372117Size 16 LED BioCube CoralifeOrder Now
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It will, however, take up a little extra area in your room. But don’t worry; it’s still little and doesn’t take up much room in general.

On the other hand, the Biocube of the Oceans comes in much smaller sizes. It comes in 8,14, 29, and 32 gallons too. If you want an absolutely small tank with limitations of marine inhabitants, you can go with 8 or 14 gallons. Mostly these are friendly for the new aquarists out there. So grab one if you are!

Tie for first place

Filtration & Setup 

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https://www.nano-reef.com/ https://www.nano-reef.com/ Source: https://www.nano-reef.com/

The setup methods of these biocubes are simple. However, Biocube Coralife is much easier to set up than Biocube of the Oceans. If you choose an Biocube of the Oceans, you have to take more hassle than setting up the coralife. Let’s see-

The difference in setup method for Biocube of the Oceans from coralife is in the filtration process. This is the main distinguishing factor here.

However, the Biocube Coralife that you will buy will have a tank and a carbon filter to it. All other things that complement the setup need to be bought separately. 

Setup Coralife

Here’s our recommendation of the components for the complete setup of Biocube Coralife-

Now, let’s look at how to correctly set up the biocube-

Step 1: Finish the Filtration Procedure

A media basket chamber at the rear of the tank contains three empty channels running from top to bottom. You may add whatever biological and chemical filtering components you want to it. Your biocube already has a carbon filter installed, which will serve as the mechanical medium.

Place all of the Chemi pure in the first chamber. It should come in a little mesh bag already. Its purpose is to remove any floating particles from the water. It also lowers the phosphate levels in the area. 

Place the bio pellets in a mesh bag in the second chamber. It aids in the maintenance of water nitrate and phosphate levels. This will function admirably as a filter component for your biocube. It will take three weeks to get up and running.

Finally, place the biological filtration matrix in the third compartment. In aquariums, biological filtration is an important aspect of the filtration process. The excess ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites in the water will be removed by this matrix.

After completing these processes, place the chamber in the biocube’s rear. Don’t forget to place the carbon filter above the chemi pure on top of the first chamber.

Step 2: Place the Foam or Protein Skimmer in place.

Now you must place the aqua foam between the three chambered trays. There’s a spot there that’ll suit this foam wonderfully. Either the foam or a protein skimmer may be placed there. It’s all up to you. The foam will collect any impurities in the tank’s water.

Step 3: Put the Live Sand and Live Rock in Place

You must now complete the last stage by adding living sand and rock to the biocube. These serve as excellent biological filters while also improving the tank’s appearance. You must first add the sand. You are free to include it as you see fit. It’s a good idea to add 120 pounds of live sand in the 32 gallon tank. Add a little water once the sand has been added. Place the live rock on top of the substrate.

Finally, add water as needed. Fill the tank just halfway with water to avoid a mess. Leave a few vacant places on the top for maintenance and upkeep. Additionally, if desired, a bubble stone may be installed. Make sure they’re all in one area, however.

Setup in the Ocean

Biocube of the Oceans doesn’t come with the media basket like coralife. Instead, there’s a live rock filtration system and media balls. So you need to put effort to complete the filtration in the setup process.

For this, we recommend you install the media basket in the middle chamber like the Setup Coralife. This media basket will give you a much more efficient filtration system.

Here are some of our suggested media baskets for you to peruse:

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Installation of the Media Basket is the first step.

You’ll need to cut a little bit of the tab in the mid chamber to install the media basket. To ensure that the tab fits in the basket, trim it to the appropriate size. As a result, we recommend using a Slice Box Cutter. It’s a lot more robust than standard utility knives, and it’s also a lot safer to use.

Step 2: Installing the Protein Skimmer

Now, fill up the media basket with what we recommended for the Biocube Coralife. If you want to install a protein skimmer, you also need to make a cut on the tab of the first chamber. The 3rd chamber has the pump in it so it won’t be a problem to differentiate.

Step 3: Put the Live Sand and Live Rock in Place

After you have completed the filtration process, it’s time to put in those live sand and live rocks. This is the same as the Biocube Setup Coralife method as we mentioned.

So as you’ve seen, you have versatile options open for filtration if you choose coralife. These are a little limited in the case of Biocube of the Oceans. Plus, you need to put more effort to make your desired filtration system friendly.

You may view the following video for an overall visual explanation on how to set up a biocube:

 

Coralife came out on top.

Lighting

When it comes to biocubes, lighting is crucial. That’s because it’s unclear if the standard lights included with them are enough.

The benefit of coralife over oceanic is that it has a lot more adaptable timing scheme. You may also pick from a variety of lights to replace both of these factory lights.

 So, let’s have a look-

The lighting system of Biocube Coralife is the most eye-catching feature it has to offer. It has 3 different colors of LED installed in it. These are sparkly blue, white, and full spectrum.

On the other hand, the Biocube of the Oceans has a blue and white bulb along with moonlight. These lights also come with a timer. But, the 30-minute sunrise/sunset timer is absent here like the coralife. So that’s a plus point for coralife. 

The combination of timers and coralife is a unique feature. On the top of the hood, there’s a 24-hour timer that automatically switches these LED lights on and off during the day. 

A 30-minute sunrise/sunset timer and a 60-minute moonrise/moonset timer are also available. It gives the residents a more natural feeling, as if they were in the water. 

However, Oceanic’s standard lights are also rather impressive. Any of these may be readily set for a certain time. You may even have them all open at the same time. As low as low-intensity lighting to high-intensity lighting, these standard lights are sufficient.

You may, however, enhance your plants if they demand high-intensity lighting.

Here’s what we think about updating the lighting system:

BuyImageLight for AquariumsBenefits
Place your order right now!1650338811_399_battle-of-coralife-biocube-vs-oceanic-biocube-81217481650338812_883_battle-of-coralife-biocube-vs-oceanic-biocube-3882123AQUANEAT LED Light for AquariumsThere are no restrictions on the size of the rims.
Place your order right now!1650338813_503_battle-of-coralife-biocube-vs-oceanic-biocube-21455451650338815_878_battle-of-coralife-biocube-vs-oceanic-biocube-1138068AQQA Light for AquariumsAdjustable Extendable Bracket

Coralife came out on top.

Type of water

Type of water is another important factor for biocubes. Many people want a saltwater reef tank as biocubes. So they get disappointed if the tank is only suitable for saltwater.

But the good thing here’s that both coralife and Biocube of the Oceanss are suitable for saltwater and freshwater. So this is a great flexibility that both of them provide.

Tie for first place

Heat Trapping and Pumping

Biocube Dosing Setup | REEF2REEF Saltwater and Reef Aquarium Forum

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In both of the biocubes, the energy provided to the return pumps creates the heating. There’s also a lighting system that can create heat but apart from that, the pump is responsible for heating. Biocube of the Oceans has surprisingly better heat maintenance in low heat than oceanic. Let’s see-

Coralife comes with a 265 GPH return pump as a stock pump. It can provide a sufficient volume of water to the cattle. When it comes to heat, however, it struggles to maintain a low temperature when compared to Oceanic. In such scenario, you may improve the pump to prevent anything from being too hot.

Here’s our recommendation for pump replacements of Biocube Coralife-

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Prices were obtained from the Amazon Product Advertising API on the following dates:

Prices and availability are correct as of the given date/time and are subject to change. This product will be purchased using the pricing and availability information listed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase.

In the case of the oceanic bio cube, the pump is a 250 GPH return pump. It doesn’t have heat-trapping issues like Biocube Coralife. It can, in fact, maintain lower heat levels than the Biocube Coralife.

Coralife came out on top.

Upgradability 

Both of the biocubes have options for Upgradability. However, one is a little easier to upgrade than the other. In this case, Biocube Coralife is the winner. You don’t need to put as much effort as an Biocube of the Oceans in order to upgrade the coralife. Let’s see- 

As we mentioned, the Biocube Coralife is a bit easier to upgrade than the Biocube of the Oceans. By Upgradability, we mean upgrading the lighting, filtration, return pump, protein skimmer, etc.

The filtration system, lighting, and protein skimmer is easier to upgrade in the Biocube Coralife than Biocube of the Oceans. There’s already space for adding a protein skimmer in here.

In addition, the biocube’s filtering media tray has ample room surrounding it. As a result, it’s simple to update. Strips of LED lights may also be added around/below the standard lighting system.

Here’s our recommendation for a complete upgraded setup for Biocube Coralife-

On the other hand, in the Biocube of the Oceans, it’s a bit harder for upgrades. You just have to break a little more sweat but the job can be done. 

You can easily upgrade the lighting system here just like the Biocube Coralife. But you need to cut some tabs in the back of the biocube to install a protein skimmer or heater. We’ve already mentioned how to do that.

The filter media tray may also be upgraded. For an upgrade, you’ll need to trim down the rear a little bit.

Coralife came out on top.

So, which one do you think you should choose?

Both biuocubes have their own set of benefits and cons. Take a glance at the summary table below if you need to make a quick decision:

BiocubeAdvantages
Biocube CoralifeLighting, upgradibilty, Heat Trapping and Pumping, easy setup
Biocube of the OceansSizes that are available

FAQs

How many fish can a BioCube 32 hold?

The recommended number of fish for a BioCube 32 is 4-6. You should not exceed 6 since your fish may get irritated.

Is it possible to utilize a BioCube with freshwater?

Yes. Biocube may be used with freshwater. It may really be utilized for both freshwater and marine animals. One of the benefits of employing a biocube is this.

Conclusion

This was all from us regarding Biocube Coralife vs Biocube of the Oceans. We hope we’ve been helpful in choosing the right one for you. If you still have any queries, let us know in the comment section below.

Thank you for sticking it out with us all the way to the finish!

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